We’re looking forward to introducing you to Armin Nasseri. Check out our conversation below.
Armin, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. When was the last time you felt true joy?
I spent my summer vacation on an island and it was absolutely incredible. One of the highlights was kayaking. As I paddled through the calm waters, I was surrounded by nature and beauty in every direction. It felt peaceful, yet thrilling at the same time. The whole experience was unforgettable and I loved every single minute of it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Armin Nasseri. I am an actor and filmmaker. I was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I am a first-generation Persian-American. My creative journey began in Wilmington, North Carolina before relocating to California. After studying acting and signing with an agent, I began auditioning while simultaneously expanding my knowledge of filmmaking. I studied film and production at Los Angeles City College and later completed my education at West L.A. College. Driven by a strong work ethic and deep love for the craft, I immersed myself in the industry, contributing to over 30 film productions in just three years.
I’ve worn nearly every hat on a film set from art department, craft services to camera department, sound department, editing, producing and directing. This hands-on journey through the many facets of filmmaking has shaped me into a well-rounded storyteller with a deep respect for every role behind the scenes. While I’ve appreciated each of these experiences, I ultimately chose to focus on directing. As someone of Persian heritage, I rarely saw authentic representation of people like me in mainstream movies and television shows. That absence fueled my passion to step behind the camera and to not only tell stories, but to reshape the narrative landscape. Through directing, I aim to bring underrepresented voices to the forefront and create the kinds of stories I wish I had seen growing up.
I founded Polar Underworld Productions to challenge the narrow and often harmful narratives perpetuated by mainstream media. With my short films, Seeking Valentina and The Carting Call, I set out to tell bold, authentic stories that resonate across cultures and identities. Both films featured inclusive, gender-balanced casts and intentionally rejected stereotypes and tropes that have long silenced or misrepresented marginalized voices. I’m deeply honored that my short films received nominations, awards and distribution. This recognition from the public reaffirms my commitment to inclusive storytelling and my passion for amplifying voices that are too often unheard.
I directed my first documentary feature George Hobbs: Stick Figure Wisdom. I produced it with Kristin West and Matt Chassin. We spent four years bringing George’s story to life. It’s a story about George Hobbs, a truly remarkable artist, who uses simple stick figure drawings to share powerful, socially conscious messages. What I loved about it was how George’s art touches people in such an honest, unfiltered way.
I feel incredibly humbled and grateful that the film has found its way to audiences both here and abroad, screening at festivals and earning 60 awards, including top prizes at Marina del Rey Film Festival and The Other Venice Film Festival. It’s been an honor to help share George’s unique wisdom with the world.
Six months after completing George Hobbs: Stick Figure Wisdom, I began production on my second documentary feature, Alicia Piller: Afterlife Of Objects. I collaborated once again with producers Todd Garner and Jo Harmon, with whom I previously worked on the Aventurine music videos “Miles Around” and “Safe.” Spending so much time immersed in Stick Figure Wisdom was a deeply therapeutic experience and it inspired me to continue exploring the art world through film. With Afterlife Of Objects, my team and I were honored to focus on contemporary artist Alicia Piller. Alicia is an exceptional talent known for her large-scale sculptural works that weave together history, identity and social commentary. We’re proud to share that the film is completed and coming soon.
I’m also co-producing a documentary series called Searching For Goodness with creator Bessy Adut. We are currently filming our second season. Our series explores the concept of “goodness” in the world as well as highlighting stories, ideas and individuals making a positive impact. Both seasons one and two have featured thought-provoking conversations on topics such as climate change, global warming, sustainability and mindfulness.
You can watch the full episodes on our Searching For Goodness YouTube channel or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Our guests have included a diverse range of voices such as scientists, musicians, actors, comedians, a sports photographer, a beekeeper and a transcendental meditation teacher as each of them have offered a unique perspective on what goodness means in their lives and work.
We’ve been honored to feature incredible guests such as Andrew D. Bernstein, Rodolfo Werner, Wendy Liebman, Bob Golub, Mindy Sterling and many more.
My goals going forward is to tell stories that showcase how we are all alike regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I owe a deep debt of gratitude to one of my mother’s first cousins from North Carolina. When I was just an infant, she cared for me with a warmth and devotion I’ll never forget. As I grew older and pursued a path in the creative arts, she became one of my strongest champions. In moments of self-doubt, when I questioned whether I had what it took, she reminded me with unwavering conviction: “Talent runs in you.” Those words have stayed with me ever since. Her belief in me helped shape the person and the artist that I’ve become.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Always be gentle and compassionate to yourself and never be hard on yourself when dealing with setbacks in life.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that hard work always guaranteed success. I thought that if I just put in the hours, stayed disciplined and pushed through, things would eventually fall into place. But I’ve come to learn that it’s not that simple.
Hard work is important. It builds character, skills and perseverance, but it doesn’t shield you from setbacks. No one really told me how much failure, disappointment, or sheer bad luck can be part of the process too. I didn’t know that sometimes, you can give it your all and still not get the results you hoped for.
At first, that was hard to accept. It made me question myself, my choices and even my worth. But eventually, I began to see it differently. Setbacks aren’t a sign that you’re failing. They’re part of the journey. They test you, shape you and teach you things that success never could.
I still believe in working hard. I always will. But now I understand that hard work isn’t a guarantee. It’s a foundation. And from that foundation, I keep building no matter what comes.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Whether I become famous or not, I just hope that one day, aspiring Persian American artists of the next generation can say I helped pave the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://polarunderworldproductions.com
- Instagram: @arminnasseri
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arminnasserifilmmaker
Image Credits
Bessy Adut, Lydia Keen Woodruff, Tarín Bai, Todd Garner, Jo Harmon, Addison Hsiao
